Bhubaneswar, June 26 (UDN): In a move to ensure uninterrupted hostel operations amid concerns over cooking gas availability, the Odisha Higher Education Department has directed Regional Directors of Education to closely monitor the supply of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) to Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) across the state.
The directive, issued by Joint Secretary Dr. Sujata Subhadarshini Nayak, follows deliberations held during the second meeting of the State Crisis Management Group and subsequent instructions from the Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Higher Education Department.
Recognising the importance of uninterrupted cooking fuel supply for hostels and student messes, the department has asked Regional Directors in Balasore, Bhubaneswar, Berhampur, Jeypore and Sambalpur to immediately alert all Higher Educational Institutions under their jurisdiction about the prevailing LPG shortage and take proactive measures to address any disruption.
To facilitate timely resolution of supply-related issues, the Regional Directors have been instructed to establish and widely publicise dedicated departmental helpline numbers. Institutions facing difficulties in procuring LPG can report their grievances through these helplines, enabling authorities to monitor the situation and ensure prompt redressal.
The department has also advised all colleges and universities to switch to Piped Natural Gas (PNG) connections wherever the facility is available, with a view to reducing dependence on LPG and ensuring a more reliable cooking fuel supply.
Regional Directors have been directed to submit an Action Taken Report (ATR) on the implementation of these instructions to the Higher Education Department by June 30, 2026.
The initiative is aimed at preventing disruptions in hostel mess services and ensuring that students residing in hostels continue to receive essential facilities without inconvenience despite the ongoing LPG supply constraints.
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